#Citi
21 articles tagged #Citi — curated RWA tokenization coverage.
Citi expands servicing role as Global X ETFs adds tokenised class
Citi has expanded its long-standing relationship with Global X ETFs to provide comprehensive transfer agency services for the firm's newly launched tokenized share class. This development marks a significant integration of traditional institutional custody infrastructure with blockchain-based fund distribution. By leveraging Citi’s established servicing capabilities, Global X aims to streamline the operational complexities associated with managing tokenized assets for institutional investors. The move underscores a growing trend where major global custodians are adapting their legacy systems to support the lifecycle of on-chain financial products. This partnership highlights the increasing demand for regulated, institutional-grade support for tokenized investment vehicles in the ETF space. As traditional financial institutions continue to bridge the gap between conventional markets and distributed ledger technology, such collaborations serve as a blueprint for future fund tokenization. The expansion of Citi’s role demonstrates that institutional trust and regulatory compliance remain the primary drivers for the mainstream adoption of tokenized real-world assets.
Global X ETFs, Citi and OSL Launch Hong Kong's First Tokenized Covered Call ETF
Mirae Asset Global Investments (Hong Kong) has launched a tokenized unit class for its Global X HSCEI Covered Call Active ETF, marking the first such product in the Hong Kong market. This initiative, executed in collaboration with Citi and OSL Group, allows investors to hold fund units on a blockchain network to improve operational efficiency and transparency. Citi provides trustee, custody, and transfer agency services, while OSL utilizes its Tokenworks platform to manage the tokenization process under the oversight of the Securities and Futures Commission. The ETF, which references the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, aims to provide monthly income distributions to both institutional and retail investors. By moving from strategy innovation to infrastructure innovation, the project aligns with the Hong Kong government's policy to foster digital asset development. This launch demonstrates how traditional financial institutions are integrating blockchain technology to streamline fund administration and settlement processes. The move signifies a broader trend of institutional adoption of tokenization to enhance the accessibility and management of regulated investment products.
Standard Chartered and HSBC complete first tokenised deposit transaction, Citi launches near-real-time custody solutions
Standard Chartered and HSBC have successfully completed the first live cross-border transaction using tokenised deposits via Swift’s blockchain-based ledger. This milestone test demonstrated interoperability between two distinct bank-issued tokenised deposit infrastructures, utilizing Swift’s ledger to match and net obligations before final settlement. By reconciling obligations from different banks through a shared infrastructure layer, the test proves that existing banking systems can support tokenized assets without requiring entirely new settlement rails. Simultaneously, Citi launched Custody+, a suite of digital tools designed to provide institutional clients with near-real-time access to custody data and asset servicing workflows. These developments represent a significant step in integrating blockchain-based tokenization into traditional institutional banking frameworks. While the Swift test focused on cross-border deposit interoperability, Citi’s initiative enhances the operational efficiency of managing global portfolios. Together, these advancements highlight the growing institutional focus on leveraging distributed ledger technology to modernize legacy financial infrastructure.
Caplight facilitates Citi's launch of tokenized depositary receipts on private shares
Citi has launched a new Digital Depositary Receipt (DDR) product designed to tokenize private company shares, marking the first time a major bank has applied the traditional depositary receipt model to the private equity asset class. The initiative aims to modernize the historically paper-based and bilateral trading processes of private securities by introducing institutional-grade custody and settlement. Caplight has been selected to provide its MarketPrice™ data feed, which utilizes AI-driven models to deliver independent, ongoing pricing for the underlying private assets. The inaugural DDR product represents shares in Kaleido, Inc., signaling a shift toward greater transparency and accessibility in venture-backed markets. By leveraging Caplight’s data infrastructure, which synthesizes signals from over 100,000 venture-backed companies, Citi intends to facilitate more efficient fee assessment and custodial reporting. This collaboration addresses significant liquidity and transparency hurdles, allowing private companies to maintain cap table control while expanding their investor base. The integration of institutional banking with specialized private market data represents a critical step in the maturation of tokenized private equity infrastructure.
Citi plans digital asset custody service launch with Bitcoin
Citigroup has introduced Custody+, a modular infrastructure suite designed to modernize institutional asset servicing by integrating traditional custody with real-time digital capabilities. The platform aims to streamline workflows across Citi’s 62 proprietary custody markets, leveraging technology that has already reduced corporate action processing times by up to 92% in the U.S. market. A core component of this evolution is the planned expansion into digital asset custody, which will commence with Bitcoin support later this year. By unifying traditional and crypto custody within a single framework, Citi intends to provide institutional clients with a seamless transition toward next-generation financial architecture. This development is further supported by Citi Token Services, which facilitates 24/7 transfers of tokenized deposits. The initiative reflects a broader industry shift toward always-on capital markets and the integration of blockchain-based assets into established banking infrastructure. This move is significant for the RWA market as it signals a major global bank's commitment to bridging legacy settlement systems with digital asset ecosystems.
Banks' interest in tokenized deposits grew in second quarter
Large financial institutions are increasingly prioritizing tokenized deposits over stablecoins as a preferred method for modernizing cross-border payments and internal business operations. American Banker research indicates that 24 of the top 50 U.S. banks now monitor tokenized deposits, compared to 17 tracking stablecoins. Citi CEO Jane Fraser highlighted that tokenized deposits offer new revenue streams and client acquisition opportunities, with the bank actively exploring both deposit tokens and stablecoin reserve management. Wells Fargo is set to launch a tokenized deposit program this fall for corporate clients, supporting U.S. dollars and British pounds. Furthermore, a consortium including JPMorganChase, HSBC, and BNY is collaborating with The Clearing House to develop a unified tokenized deposit network. While stablecoins remain a focus for some, with the upcoming Open Standard venture launching Open USD, banks currently show higher activity levels in piloting tokenized deposits. This shift reflects a broader institutional preference for regulated, bank-issued digital assets that leverage existing deposit insurance frameworks. The trend signals a significant evolution in how traditional banks intend to bridge legacy payment rails with distributed ledger technology.
Citi executives assert: Tokenization spells the end of traditional banks' 9-to-5 operations
Citi executives have publicly stated that the shift toward tokenization will fundamentally dismantle the traditional 9-to-5 operating model of global banking. By leveraging blockchain technology, financial institutions can transition to 24/7 real-time settlement, effectively eliminating the latency inherent in legacy banking systems. This evolution is driven by the ability to automate complex financial processes through smart contracts, which reduce the need for manual intervention and intermediary reconciliation. Citi is actively exploring these capabilities through its Citi Token Services, which facilitates cross-border payments and liquidity management on a private, permissioned blockchain. The transition signifies a broader industry move toward programmable money, where assets can be moved and settled instantaneously regardless of market hours. This shift is critical for the RWA market as it establishes the infrastructure necessary for institutional-grade, always-on financial services. Ultimately, the move suggests that the competitive advantage of traditional banks will soon depend on their ability to integrate decentralized ledger technology into their core treasury and payment operations.
Binance Reportedly Expands Into US Stocks – Citi Predicts $5.5T Tokenization Boom By 2030
Binance is reportedly exploring the expansion of its platform to include tokenized US stocks, signaling a strategic move to bridge traditional equity markets with digital asset infrastructure. This development aligns with broader industry trends where major exchanges seek to capture demand for 24/7 trading and fractional ownership of traditional financial instruments. Citi has bolstered the narrative surrounding this shift by forecasting that the tokenization of private and public markets could reach a valuation of $5.5 trillion by 2030. The integration of tokenized equities on a global exchange like Binance could significantly increase liquidity and accessibility for retail investors worldwide. Such initiatives reflect a growing institutional consensus that blockchain technology offers superior settlement efficiency and transparency compared to legacy clearing systems. As regulatory frameworks evolve, the ability to trade tokenized shares on crypto-native platforms represents a critical evolution in the convergence of decentralized finance and traditional capital markets. This potential expansion underscores the increasing pressure on incumbent financial institutions to adopt distributed ledger technology to remain competitive in a rapidly digitizing global economy.
How to Use JPM Coin and Citi Token Services: The Rise of Bank-Led Blockchain Networks
JPMorgan and Citibank are spearheading the adoption of private, permissioned blockchain networks to modernize institutional liquidity management and payment settlement. By tokenizing commercial bank deposits on a one-to-one basis, these institutions enable near-real-time, 24/7 cross-border transactions that bypass the limitations of traditional banking hours. JPMorgan’s platform, recently rebranded as Kinexys Digital Payments, and Citi Token Services allow corporate clients to automate treasury workflows and reduce settlement delays while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. These systems function within closed-loop environments, ensuring that every digital token is fully backed by cash held in traditional accounts. This shift represents a significant evolution in financial infrastructure, as banks leverage distributed ledger technology to enhance operational efficiency and auditability. The move toward bank-led networks demonstrates how traditional finance is integrating blockchain to solve systemic inefficiencies in global capital movement. Ultimately, these platforms provide a secure bridge between legacy banking systems and the speed of digital assets for large-scale institutional participants.
Tim Draper: BlackRock, Citi and J.P. Morgan transact tokenized collateral on Ownera
Major financial institutions including BlackRock, Citi, and J.P. Morgan have successfully utilized the Ownera platform to facilitate the movement of tokenized collateral. This development demonstrates the practical application of blockchain technology in streamlining traditional financial operations, allowing for settlement times to be reduced to mere minutes. The initiative highlights the effectiveness of the venture studio model in fostering infrastructure capable of supporting institutional-grade digital asset transactions. By leveraging Ownera's technology, these global banks are addressing inefficiencies in collateral management that have historically plagued legacy financial systems. The involvement of high-profile entities underscores a growing industry trend toward the adoption of distributed ledger technology for real-world asset mobility. This milestone serves as a validation for venture-backed startups that provide the necessary technical plumbing for institutional RWA integration. Ultimately, the successful execution of these transactions signals a shift toward more liquid and efficient capital markets through tokenization.
Connecting Closed Companies and Investors, Citi Launches First Tokenized Depositary Receipts
Citi has officially launched Digital Depositary Receipts (DDRs) for closed-market shares, marking a significant milestone in the tokenization of private equity assets. By acting as both the issuer and the custodian, Citi eliminates the need for complex third-party Special Purpose Vehicles, thereby reducing hidden costs and operational friction. The platform utilizes blockchain infrastructure operated by SIX, a regulated digital custodial and settlement institution, to ensure institutional-grade security and transparency. This initiative addresses the growing liquidity gap for private companies facing longer timelines for traditional IPOs. The inaugural transaction involved Kaleido, a Citi portfolio company, and investors from Citi's Wealth business line. This model allows issuers to expand their investor base without altering primary ownership rights or complicating capitalization tables. By integrating these tokenized assets into its existing Wealth platform, Citi provides clients with familiar, secure access to previously illiquid private market opportunities. The project represents a coordinated 'One Citi' effort to build an expandable, interoperable framework for future digital asset issuances across various blockchain networks.
SCB debuts Citi's 24/7 USD Clearing and Citi Token Services solution
Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) has officially integrated Citi’s 24/7 USD Clearing and Citi Token Services to enhance its cross-border payment capabilities. This collaboration allows SCB to leverage Citi’s institutional-grade blockchain-based solution, enabling near-instantaneous settlement of USD transactions around the clock. By utilizing Citi Token Services, SCB can facilitate programmable financial services and automated liquidity management, moving away from traditional batch-processing limitations. This integration marks a significant milestone for the RWA market as it demonstrates how major global banks are adopting tokenized deposits to improve operational efficiency and capital velocity. The move underscores a broader industry shift toward interoperable blockchain infrastructure for institutional treasury management. As traditional banking giants adopt these tokenized solutions, the friction associated with legacy correspondent banking networks is substantially reduced. This development signals increased institutional confidence in private, permissioned ledgers for high-value settlement processes.
XRP Could Reach $35 if Citi’s $5.5T Projection for the Tokenization Market Plays Out
Franklin Templeton’s Head of Digital Assets, Roger Bayston, recently suggested that Citi’s projection of $5.5 trillion in tokenized assets by 2030 may be conservative given the vast scale of global capital markets. Currently, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) maintains a 2.28% market share of tokenized assets, representing approximately $4 billion in value. If this market share remains constant as the total tokenized sector reaches the $5.5 trillion milestone, the XRPL ecosystem could grow to hold $125.4 billion in assets. Analysts and AI models have explored how this potential expansion might influence the price of the native XRP token through various valuation frameworks. These models suggest a wide range of potential price outcomes, spanning from $3.09 to $35.43, depending on market maturity and utility-driven demand. Factors such as the XRPL’s deflationary burn mechanism and the necessity for increased liquidity pools for cross-border transactions are identified as key drivers for future valuation. While these figures remain theoretical, they highlight the significant impact that institutional adoption of blockchain infrastructure could have on native network assets. This analysis underscores the ongoing transition toward blockchain as a foundational layer for global financial operations.
Asset Tokenization: A Guide to Launching Your First Tokenised Asset
Asset tokenization is rapidly transforming traditional finance by converting physical and financial assets into digital tokens on a blockchain, enabling fractional ownership and near-instant settlement. As of mid-2026, the sector has reached over $32 billion in on-chain assets with more than 929,000 participants. Major institutions, including BlackRock and Citi, are driving this shift, with Citi projecting the market could reach $5.5 trillion to $8 trillion by 2030. Tokenization addresses systemic inefficiencies like slow settlement times, high costs, and geographical barriers by automating compliance and administrative tasks through smart contracts. Current market data shows $15 billion in tokenized U.S. Treasuries and $4.7 billion in tokenized gold. Issuers are leveraging specialized infrastructure, such as white-label platforms and APIs, to streamline the transition of real estate, funds, and banking products onto public or private ledgers. This evolution allows businesses to unlock liquidity from previously illiquid assets while providing retail investors access to high-value markets with entry points as low as $50.
SCB taps Citi for tokenised cross-border payments
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has partnered with Citi to pilot a tokenized cross-border payment solution aimed at enhancing the efficiency of international fund transfers. By leveraging Citi’s digital asset capabilities, SCB intends to streamline liquidity management and reduce the settlement times typically associated with traditional correspondent banking networks. This initiative utilizes blockchain technology to facilitate near-instantaneous, 24/7 cross-border transactions, addressing long-standing friction in global financial infrastructure. The collaboration marks a significant step for SCB in integrating programmable money into its institutional treasury operations. For the broader RWA market, this development underscores the growing institutional appetite for tokenized deposits and programmable settlement layers. As major banks like Citi continue to provide the underlying infrastructure for these digital assets, the barrier to entry for cross-border tokenized settlements is rapidly lowering. This shift signals a transition toward a more interconnected, blockchain-based global payment ecosystem that prioritizes speed and transparency.
SCB rolls out 24/7 USD clearing in Thailand with Citi Token Services
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has partnered with Citi to implement 24/7 USD clearing services, facilitating near real-time cross-border payments for its clients. By integrating Citi Token Services, which operates on a private permissioned blockchain, SCB enables continuous USD transaction capabilities regardless of traditional banking hours. This initiative leverages Citi's 24/7 clearing network, which currently connects more than 300 financial institutions across over 50 global markets. The adoption of this technology marks a significant shift for Thailand's oldest commercial bank toward modernizing its international payment infrastructure. For the RWA market, this development underscores the growing institutional reliance on private blockchain solutions to enhance liquidity and settlement speed in cross-border finance. By removing the friction of traditional clearing cycles, the collaboration sets a precedent for how legacy banking institutions can utilize tokenized services to improve capital efficiency. This integration demonstrates a practical application of blockchain technology in streamlining high-volume, multi-currency institutional settlements.
Citi launches market-first tokenized depositary receipts to connect private companies, investors
Citi has officially launched Digital Depositary Receipts (DDRs) to tokenize private company shares, marking a significant advancement in institutional private market access. This initiative represents the first instance of a global financial institution acting as both the issuer and custodian for tokenized depositary receipts. The inaugural transaction involved Kaleido, an institutional tokenization platform and Citi portfolio company, connecting with investors through Citi’s Wealth business. By leveraging Citi’s Secondary Private Markets infrastructure, the solution aims to reduce the complexity typically associated with private equity investments. This development is critical for the RWA market as it establishes a rigorous, bank-grade framework for bringing illiquid private assets onto digital ledgers. The interoperable design of the DDRs is intended to scale capital formation while maintaining the high standards of traditional financial oversight. Ultimately, this move signals a shift toward more transparent and efficient digital asset infrastructure for institutional-grade private market participation.
Want to invest in private companies? Tokenised shares could be the next frontier
Citi has launched the market’s first tokenised depositary receipts (TDRs) to provide wealthy investors with direct access to private company equity. By partnering with Switzerland-based blockchain infrastructure operator SIX, Citi acts as both issuer and custodian for these digital securities. The inaugural transaction involved the institutional platform Kaleido and a Citi portfolio company, marking a significant step in digitizing private market assets. This model allows investors to trade interests in private companies over the counter, effectively bypassing the traditional, lengthy wait for an IPO. By replacing complex special purpose vehicles with a regulated digital structure, the initiative aims to improve liquidity and transparency in historically fragmented markets. While this innovation promises greater accessibility, Citi’s recent report warns of potential risks, including settlement liquidity issues and the danger of mis-selling to investors. Ultimately, the TDR model represents a major effort by global financial institutions to integrate blockchain technology into traditional capital markets to address the growing trend of companies remaining private for longer periods.